Why is carbon so abundant in living things when oxygen is the most abundant element on Earth?

a. Carbon atoms can bond with one another to make chains and cyclic structures whereas oxygen atoms cannot form chains or cyclic structures.

b. Carbon atoms are found in compounds that are solids at room temperature whereas oxygen atoms are found in compounds that form gases

c. Carbon atoms have lower mass than oxygen atoms, which keeps the masses of living things within desirable limits.

d. Carbon atoms are more stable than oxygen atoms, which allows living things to have more stable compositions.

Question

Chemistry

Gunnar Cantu

12 September, 13:20

Why is carbon so abundant in living things when oxygen is the most abundant element on Earth?

a. Carbon atoms can bond with one another to make chains and cyclic structures whereas oxygen atoms cannot form chains or cyclic structures.

b. Carbon atoms are found in compounds that are solids at room temperature whereas oxygen atoms are found in compounds that form gases

c. Carbon atoms have lower mass than oxygen atoms, which keeps the masses of living things within desirable limits.

d. Carbon atoms are more stable than oxygen atoms, which allows living things to have more stable compositions.

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Answers (1)

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Allison Washington · Answer 1

I think the correct answer from the choices listed above is option A. Carbon is so abundant in living things when oxygen is the most abundant element on Earth because c arbon atoms can bond with one another to make chains and cyclic structures whereas oxygen atoms cannot form chains or cyclic structures.